Knowledge, Attitudes and Implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Programme by Health Workers: A Survey of Selected Health Facilities in Meru County of Kenya

Introduction: Currently, diseases such as polio, measles, neonatal tetanus and malaria are a major threat in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and present an enormous challenge to the public health in Kenya and the world. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy was adopted by WHO in 1998 to enable collection, analysis and interpretation of health data for a number of disease under surveillance by WHO Member States in Africa. The strategy was adopted in Kenya in 2006 and rolled out in selected Districts including Meru district. Aim: This study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes and the level of implementation of integrated diseases surveillance and response in Meru County. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was used among 368 health workers comprising of physicians, nurses, clinicians, laboratory staff and other related paramedical to elucidate surveillance information from 7 health facilities. Three hundred and sixty eight Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) questionnaires were administered. The data was organized and analyzed using SPSS version 23 from which frequencies statistics, tables, figures, pie charts and bar charts were derived. Results: A total of 368 health workers including health administrators were interviewed. Average knowledge was demonstrated on IDSR; however 92.9 % of the respondents were not aware of priority diseases indicating low knowledge to enhance reporting. Involved in implementation were the nurses 254 (69 %), followed by RCO 54 (14.7 %) and then doctors 30 (4.5 %). Further, the study revealed an attitude gap to a level of 70.7 %. Conclusion: The study found average knowledge, mild attitude and a number of challenges that prevent IDSR strategy implementation. County governments of Kenya as well as public private partnerships (PPPs) have a great role to play in enabling success of IDSR implementation. The study recommends (PPP, s), adequate supply of Standard case definitions and reminders in the facility while ensuring regular on job trainings.